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Chapter 28: Enough Rope
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Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 29: You think you're pretty smart, don't you?
Chapter 29: "You think you're pretty smart, don't you?"Maggie pushed the last cartload of books into the library. In another hour and a half, she'd be on her way to meet Ben at the airport. Five o'clock couldn't come soon enough. She was still feeling stressed out by the morning's meeting. It would be great to relax with Casey and the gang over the long weekend. She thought about her small suitcase stowed in the corner of her office and smiled. She didn't even have to go home."You think you're pretty smart, don't you?"Maggie whirled around to see John leaning against a table just inside the library. Ellen closed the double doors and stood in front of them, arms crossed. John had that intense look on his face she remembered from their last encounter in this room. She pulled herself as tall as she could, affecting confidence she didn't feel. "I just tried to be thorough, that's all," she answered, pushing past him to pick up more books."Little Miss NYU, always trying to be
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 30: Fallout
Chapter 30: FalloutMichael turned to John and Ellen, speaking in an impossibly calm voice. "Let me tell you how this is going to go. You two will resign, effective immediately. I already have the paperwork drawn up. All you have to do is sign. You will leave the building and never return."John smirked at Michael. "What makes you think we're going to sign anything? You have no idea what happened here. Your girl attacked me. Ellen can tell you." He looked at Ellen, who seemed less sure of herself."I know exactly what happened here. It's all recorded on security video. Smile for the cameras, John." He pointed to the corner. John looked momentarily surprised. Then he turned to Michael. "You recorded us without our knowledge? You know that's not admissible in court.""I have you on video threatening to rape your colleague. Do you think your wife will care if it's admissible in court?" He addressed the security guards. "Keep them here. I'll be right back."Michael ret
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 31: Thanksgiving Holiday
Chapter 31: Thanksgiving HolidayThanksgiving at Casey's new house was a busy, cheerful affair. John and Casey had bought the three-bedroom, two-bath house a few months earlier and had finished furnishing it just in time for the holiday. She and John had invited Maggie and Ben, Kevin, and Des and Jacob to stay for the weekend.Sleeping arrangements had been studiously organized. Obviously, Des and Jacob were in the guest bedroom. Ben and Kevin shared the living room, one on the sofa and one on the floor. Maggie was given an air mattress on the floor of the home office, but she didn't mind. She was grateful that she had a private space; anyone seeing her neck would undoubtedly require information she didn't feel like giving.Both Casey's and John's parents were invited for Thanksgiving dinner. Early that morning, Maggie heard Casey moving around in the kitchen and she smiled to herself. She knew her friend well enough to know she'd want this day to go perfectly. Maggie got up
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 32: A Surprise
Chapter 32: A SurpriseMaggie was happy to wake up in her own bed Monday morning. She was also glad that Michael had insisted that she take the extra day. Truthfully, she was tired, and she was sick of having to cover up so carefully. She studied her neck in the bathroom mirror. The bruises had faded from deep purple to a pale yellow-green. Another couple of turtleneck days should do it. Maggie cleaned her immaculate kitchen, reorganized her shoes, and paid a few bills, but when she looked at the clock, only forty-five minutes had passed. She sighed and sank onto the couch, clicking on the television. A flip through the channels revealed talk-fests and game shows. I'm bored out of my mind. Maybe I'll just go in and check email and that kind of thing. I probably won't even see anyone. It was noon when Maggie exited the elevator on the 50th floor. She'd dressed in a purple turtleneck and charcoal slacks, a scarf with a purple paisley design accenting her neck. Karen wasn'
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 33: Finding Her Rhythm
Chapter 33: Finding Her RhythmLife on the 50th floor settled back into a routine more quickly than Michael could have anticipated. Few questions were asked about the departure of John and Ellen. Few were asked of him, anyway. He was fairly certain that Maggie would have told him if anyone was pressuring her for details. The truth was, most were content to see the pair gone. Maggie and Dan accompanied Michael to court for the Phillips case and the transition was seamless. A few weeks later the jury declared the retired football star 'not guilty'. That Friday afternoon found them all gathered at Doc Watson's. Michael toasted to his new team. "To Dan and Maggie, who've flawlessly picked up the slack." As usual, one of Michael's blondes, Delia this time, came to the pub to meet him, and they bid a good weekend to everyone. Maggie had, of course, expected it this time, but felt the same pang nevertheless. I don't know why he insists on dating these vapid women. Behind her
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 34: Confessions Over Lunch
Chapter 34: Confessions Over Lunch"Papaya King?" Michael asked incredulously as he stared up at the sign."Papaya King," Maggie said confidently. "You can't tell me that you've lived in the city for how long? And you've never been here? How is that even possible?" They'd walked the several blocks from the high school to the gastronomic landmark on East 86th."Because I try to eat healthy?" he ventured."You, Michael Rannigan, are a snob. Come on." Maggie pulled open the door and they went inside.They both gazed up at the menu. "I don't even know where to begin," Michael grumped.Maggie smiled patiently. "Allow me," she said. Stepping up to the counter she ordered. "We'll have two Number Fives with the New York onions and the papaya drink." Minutes later with their lunch on trays, they made their way through the crowded dining room to the narrow counter along the front window. Maggie watched as Michael took his first bite."Oh, my God!" he moaned through a mouthful of hot
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 35: A Gift From the Boss
The next work week was shortened due to the holiday. On Tuesday afternoon, a large gift tower was delivered to Maggie's desk. She was thrilled to see that it was from the Chelsea Market. In the three baskets was a generous assortment of all kinds of goodies like poppy seed cake, ginger cookies, salmon, salami, Camembert, and more. The attached Christmas card had been printed: Merry Christmas, From Michael. Maggie sheepishly retrieved a small gift bag from the cabinet behind her desk. I didn't realize he was going to go all out, she fretted mildly. Walking down the hallway she noticed that everyone on the 50th floor had received identical gift baskets. Somehow, the realization made her feel better. It's not like he spent a lot of time picking it out. He probably had Karen do it. Michael's office door was open about halfway and she peeked inside. Dan was talking over his shoulder as he moved toward the door. "Thanks for the basket, Michael. It's really nice.""You're w
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 36: Christmas Surprise Guest
Chapter 36: Christmas Surprise GuestEarly Christmas morning, Maggie was up checking on the turkey in the refrigerator. She'd dressed in a long black and white striped sweater over black leggings, slippers on her feet. She had the table linens ironed and ready, waiting in the bedroom for the time to put up the tables in the living room. She plugged in the lights on her small tree in the front window, for the millionth time adjusting the decorations, many of which came from her childhood tree. A glance out the window told her that snow was still peppering down. A massive storm had hit the northeast the day before, dumping the white stuff in feet rather than inches. Thankfully, Casey and John were safely ensconced in their hotel room, having taken the train into the city the day before the storm hit. Most transportation had been shut down since early Christmas Eve.Maggie had braved the snowstorm on foot yesterday to get the final items she needed for today's big dinner. She wou
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Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 131: Epilogue
Chapter 131: EpilogueIt was a crisp fall day as the new black Range Rover made its way carefully through the narrow lanes, coming to a stop at the base of a hill. The deep cerulean sky was accented by the vibrant scarlets, pumpkins, and golds of autumn leaves. Bobby shifted into 'Park' and looked over at Maggie.She chewed her lip anxiously. "I won't be long.""Take your time, cher." He smiled at her reassuringly. "We're not in any hurry."Maggie sighed deeply and unfastened her seat belt. She stepped out of the car and opened the door to the backseat, leaning in to retrieve a small bundle before closing the door again. "I won't be long," she repeated.Bobby watched as she carefully picked her way up the hill. "Daddy, can I go, too?" Savannah chirped from the back seat."No, June bug, let Mommy have a minute. Then we'll go to the country. Are you ready to pick some apples?""Yes! Apples!" she responded, and she began to sing a song about picking apples.At nearly the crest
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 130: So Typically Michael
Chapter 130: So Typically MichaelBrian smiled warmly as he welcomed Maggie and Bobby into his office. "I'm happy to have you here," he said, "I only wish it were under different circumstances."Maggie nodded mutely as she took in her surroundings. The law offices of Brian Murphy & Associates occupied a converted three-story building on W. 79th. The building had once been residential. The outer walls were exposed brick, and Maggie found that along with wood accents and details, everything worked together to create a comfortable, relaxed feel. Brian himself was casually dressed in khaki slacks and a white button-down shirt topped by a forest green V-neck cardigan. "This is a nice place," she murmured thoughtfully.Brian gave her a curious look and smiled again. "Well, it's not Murphy, Rannigan, but I think I actually like it better. We don't stand on formality around here. We're a small firm, and we like to think of ourselves as the friendly neighborhood lawyers. You know, whe
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 129: Heartbroken
Chapter 129: HeartbrokenSean Michael Rannigan was buried on a cold morning in late March. The frozen ground was bare of snow, but flurries swirled through the air on a biting breeze. Maggie found the grey day fitting for a funeral. As she watched the assortment of mourners gathered around the grave, her thoughts went back four days earlier to the day Michael had died.There had been a blur of activity. Rosalie had made the necessary calls to the necessary parties. Attendants from the funeral home had come and discreetly ushered his body away. Maggie had been disconsolate. Bobby had held her until she'd run out of tears.By the time they'd left to pick up Savannah from school, the apartment had been restored to normal, the medical equipment packed up and hauled away. Maggie had sensed the emptiness of the place and insisted that they pack up their things and return to her apartment.She'd forced a smile when Savannah came running up to the two of them in front of the school. "
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 128: Michael's Journey
Chapter 128: Michael's JourneyMaggie clasped and unclasped her hands as she sat anxiously beside the hospital bed in Michael's bedroom. Michael lay propped up against a mountain of pillows, his grey t-shirt showing above the crisp white cotton blanket that covered the rest of him. He'd insisted that the bed be placed beside the window and the drapes be left open so he could look out over the city. He drifted off now and again, but he seemed determined to be awake.It had been a rough night. Maggie and Bobby, along with the overnight nurse, had tag-teamed sitting up with Michael, who had alternated between sleeping fitfully and waking to spells of deep coughing and ragged wheezing.Bobby went to shower and get Savannah ready for school while Maggie and Michael watched the sun come up over the city. The colors were extraordinary, washing the sky in shades of pink, orange, purple, and blue. Maggie couldn't recall the last time she'd watched the sunrise. Michael watched the scene a
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 127: Michael's Family By Choice
Chapter 127: Michael's Family By ChoiceSavannah's clear blue eyes were huge as Bobby introduced her to Michael. "Savannah, you remember Mr. Michael. We met him at the airport that time. He's invited us to stay here with him for a while until we find our own house."When the doctor had released Michael from the hospital, he'd given him a timeline of a few weeks. Maggie had approached Michael, asking if she and Bobby could bring Savannah and stay with him for a while, and Michael had balked. "I don't want a bunch of people waiting around for me to die."She'd convinced him that he'd be doing them a favor, buying them time to find the right place. The truth was, she couldn't bear to think of being all the way in the East Village when he might need her.Now, the little girl regarded Michael solemnly, taking in his gaunt appearance, his grey sunken cheeks and his eyes with their dark circles. Her little brow wrinkled. "What's wrong with your face?" she asked."Savannah!" Bobby excl
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 126: Familymoon
Chapter 126: FamilymoonMaggie sat up on her beach blanket and hugged her knees, wriggling her toes and burying them in the cooler sand below the surface. Further down the beach, Bobby dutifully carried a small pink plastic pail as Savannah gathered shells. Maggie gazed past them to the sailboat anchored a few hundred yards offshore. It was their home for the week, and they'd sailed it to remote coves and empty beaches, relishing the quiet and the opportunity to bond as a family. Her gaze returned to Bobby and his daughter, and she smiled contentedly. It wasn't conventional, but it was just right.As if he felt her eyes on him, Bobby turned and smiled knowingly. He bent and said something to Savannah who looked to Maggie and waved. Maggie smiled and waved back as the pair returned to where she sat, Savannah scampering along while Bobby strolled purposefully, dropping his tall frame to the empty space beside her on the blanket."You've worn me out, June bug. Let me sit here by M
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 125: Michael, Back in the Saddle
Chapter 125: Michael, Back in the SaddleMichael sat back in his chair at the large oak conference table and relished the feeling of being in control. It had been too long since he'd done real casework. He'd forgotten how it felt, the rush of knowing that he held all the right cards. His charcoal grey suit hung a little loose due to the weight he'd lost, but he still knew how to project a confident presence. Figuring it would negatively impact his intimidation factor, he'd left his oxygen in the rental car.Bobby sat quietly beside him, tension radiating from his body. Michael had thoroughly prepped him. "Don't say anything. If they speak to you, look at me. Above all, don't let them bait you."Across the table, Deanna, in her white blouse and navy-blue knee-length skirt with her honey blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, looked more the sad abandoned single mother than the scheming opportunistic gold-digger that she was. Her gaze flitted nervously between Michael and Bobb
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 124: Custody Issues
Chapter 124: Custody IssuesThe deceptively bright sun and cloudless blue sky seemed at odds with the brisk cold day. But it made for a perfect afternoon spent skating at Wellman Rink in Central Park. Savannah squealed in delight as she struggled along on her ice skates. She was in no real danger of falling, safely tucked between her father and Maggie who each held a hand. She looked up, and Maggie could see the child's pink cheeks and sparkling eyes. "Are you having fun?" she asked the little girl."Yeah! This is awesome!"Bobby looked at Maggie over his daughter's head and winked, smiling. He was beyond grateful to Maggie for taking the unscheduled visit in stride. She'd even taken off work on Friday afternoon so that she could stay with Savannah when he'd had to leave for the studio. He'd arrived home late that night to find the little girl fast asleep in a makeshift tent constructed out of a blanket draped over a card table. "We decided to pretend we were camping," Mag
Rannigan's Redemption Chapter 123: Engaged
Chapter 123: EngagedBobby's eyes twinkled with mischief. "How's that?"Illuminated only by the handful of candles scattered about the room, Maggie pulled against the restraints that bound her wrists to the bars of her iron headboard and giggled softly. "It's fine.""No, you're fine," he murmured as his hand lightly traced along the side of her body. He continued down her leg to bind first one ankle then the other to the corners of the bed. He stood at the end gazing over her nude body spread out before him, candlelight bathing her skin in a soft glow. "Aiee, cher, how did I get so lucky?"Slowly, keeping his eyes on hers, he removed his shirt, jeans, and boxer briefs. His impressive erection stood at attention. "Where do I even start?" he whispered, and she giggled again.Bobby crawled onto the bed between her open legs, moving up over her body until he reached her face. Leaning down, he kissed her deeply. "Oh, Bobby," she whispered against his lips.He lightly nipped down t
